Traditional Arts and Festivals

Izumo Kagura

Izumo Kagura is a traditional sacred dance performance with a long heritage in the Izumo region. It is very popular in Unnan City, and, to this day, it is performed in local festivals and rituals. Various acts in the repertoire are inspired by Izumo mythology; the most popular act is inspired by the story of Susanoo-no-Mikoto defeating the serpent Yamata-no-Orochi that is said to have eight heads and tails.

出雲神楽

Cherry Blossom Festival

Unnan City is also famous for beautiful cherry blossom sites. From February to April each year, cherry blossom festivals are held at several places within the city such as Harue district in Daito Town, the banks of Hii River, the Mitoya River Waterfront Park, and many more.

桜祭り_斐伊川堤防桜並木

Daito Tanabata Festival

Daito Tanabata Festival, also known as the Star Festival, is held on 6 August every year, and proudly celebrates a 440-year-long history. The Daito area once became a battlefield, when the Mouri and Amago clans fought for control of the Tatara iron-making industry during the Sengoku (Warring States) period. Once the long battle was over, people celebrated the coming of peace by dressing bamboo branches with strips of paper decorations.

大東七夕祭り_18夕陽に染まる七夕行列金賞(齋藤雄宰睦)

Hands-on Experiences

斐伊川和紙 体験
Making traditional Japanese Washi paper in the Hii River Style
Kami-Kumatani district has, for a long time, been known for its paper-making artisans, who produce traditional paper known as Hii River Style Washi. Enjoy the art of paper making using traditional methods. (Advance reservation is required.)
峯寺座禅体験
Zazen, the Zen Meditation
Mine Temple in Mitoya Town is a Shingon sect temple, established in the Nara period by En-no-Ozunu, the founder of Shugendo (a form of Japanese mountain asceticism and shamanism incorporating Shinto and Buddhist concepts). Experience Zazen and Sutra copying using Iroha poems as a textbook. (Advance reservation is required.)